International Relations

Islamabad, Pakistan – In April 2025, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Ishaq Dar, visited Kabul, meeting his Afghan Taliban counterpart, Amir Khan Muttaqi. This event was perceived as a potential reset in diplomatic relations following a period of hostilities between the two nations.

Diplomatic Engagements

Subsequent discussions in May and August, facilitated by China, aimed to strengthen these diplomatic efforts. However, recent clashes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border have interrupted these initiatives, highlighting ongoing tensions.

Recent Clashes and Military Actions

Over a recent weekend, heavy fighting occurred along the border, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. Islamabad reported the deaths of over 200 Taliban fighters, while the Taliban government claimed 58 Pakistani soldiers were killed. This underscores the fragility of earlier diplomatic overtures.

Pakistan accuses the Taliban of harboring armed groups that conduct cross-border attacks, an allegation the Taliban denies. Recent incidents, including explosions in Kabul, have further strained relations, with both sides engaging in military actions resulting in additional casualties.

Key Armed Groups

Among various armed groups reportedly operating from Afghanistan, the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) is considered a significant threat by Pakistani authorities. The TTP, although ideologically aligned with the Afghan Taliban, operates independently and has intensified its activities since the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021.

According to the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) project, the TTP conducted over 600 attacks in the past year alone, surpassing the total for 2024. Regional powers, including China, Iran, and Russia, have urged the Taliban to eliminate such groups operating from Afghan soil.

Diplomatic Outlook

Analysts suggest that further diplomatic engagements may occur, potentially mediated by countries with strong ties to both Pakistan and Afghanistan, such as China or Gulf nations. However, tensions are expected to persist, with the potential for additional hostilities.

Pakistan’s New Stance

Pakistan is reportedly adopting a new approach, indicating that any future attacks originating from Afghanistan will be met with retaliatory actions. This stance reflects a strategy similar to India’s response to attacks in Indian-administered Kashmir earlier this year.

Despite this, there are significant differences between the military capabilities of Pakistan and the Taliban. Pakistan’s professional army possesses superior equipment and training compared to the Taliban forces.

Regional Implications

The recent border clashes coincided with Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to India, marking the first visit by a senior Taliban leader to New Delhi since 2021. This development is part of ongoing diplomatic efforts between India and Afghanistan, which Pakistan has monitored closely.

Pakistan continues to allege that India is involved in supporting groups operating from Afghan territory, accusations that India denies. With tensions on both its western and eastern borders, Pakistan’s diplomatic strategy remains cautious.

Concluding Remarks

Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for the Taliban to take concrete actions against terrorist elements and has questioned the legitimacy of the Taliban government. Analysts emphasize the need for a clear strategic objective in Pakistan’s military actions, questioning the long-term goals of recent airstrikes.